#this got ramble-y

[sun-marie]

Thinking about bg3. And the prevalent themes of being taken advantage of by trusted authority figures and stuff. BG3 spoilers ahead.

Nearly every companion in this game is suffering from being taken advantage of, often by someone they trusted. Some, like Karlach with Gortash, Astarion with Cazador, and Wyll with Mizora, feel it keenly, so so keenly. They can't escape from that betrayal and the consequences of said betrayal are ever present and devastating.

Others, like Shadowheart and Lae'zel, have yet to realize the dangerous way they have/are being manipulated, and when we meet them are utterly devoted to Shar and Vlaakith respectively. The nature of these relationships changes depending on the direction of your game.

Then... there's Gale.

Seemingly the odd one out. The Wizard Prodigy with the tragic flaw of hubris, carrying in him a physical, permanent consequence and reminder of his failure. Because what he did was wrong. Right? He tried to please Mystra, his goddess and his lover, by committing something unthinkable, and in his mind he is being rightfully punished for it.

Except. Why was Mystra, the goddess of magic itself, in such a relationship with a mortal in the first place?

Gale's relationship to this concept of being taken advantage of is so interesting to me, because for the most part it is much more subtle compared to some of the other companions, and much of it is left up to to player interpretation. Because, yeah, ultimately it was his mistake, but when you hear him speak it almost sounds like he was *primed* to make such a mistake, to think he could handle something like the Karsite Weave. (He gives me big big "gifted child left with no true support system bc they're seen as being able to handle themselves at too early an age" energy)

He shares in common with Karlach that unlike the other companions, who *are* being taken advantage of, Gale and Karalch *were* taken advantage of. Past tense, over and done. And in both cases, the one with the power in the relationship (Mystra and Gortash) go on their merry way, basically unaffected, while the one without power (Gale and Karlach) are left holding the bag.

Mystra also differs in how she's presented by the game, bc unlike the others mentioned she's presented as neutral to a fault. But she wields her forgiveness like a weapon, and she manipulates Gale to make him fee like *she's* the one who truly suffered for his prideful crime, he *deserves* all the pain that's come from it, and that he *owes* it to her to just die. For her. And for the most part, she isn't *wrong* per say, she just pushes it very far. Farther then someone who had Gale's best interests at heart would.

And I just. I find it interesting.

[reflectionsofgalaxies]

was having a lot of emotions about an old friend of mine (have been thinking about them more often recently, not sure why) and was like ‘why am i so emotional all of a sudden? where tf did this come from?’ and of course. it’s exactly the same reason i have an emotional crisis every fucking month.

thanks body!

[phthalosblues]

POV you read the book of bill and then the 3rd journal and then lost legends and then the great gatsby and rewatched the show twice and are on your third rewatch in the past two months and watched a bajillion animatics and character analysises and actually read fanfic which you never do like ever and you’re starting to feel like you’re running out of content and might need to start drawing more

[kiloude-city]

Old not-vampire man struggles with technology and gets help from his boyfriends fursona

[starry-bi-sky]

i need to get this out of my head before i continue clone^2 but danny being the first batkid. Like, standard procedure stuff: his parents and sister die, danny ends up with Vlad Masters. He drags him along to stereotypical galas and stuff; Danny is not having a good time.

He ends up going to one of the Wayne Galas being hosted ever since elusive Bruce Wayne has returned to Gotham. Vlad is crowing about having this opportunity as he's been wanting to sink his claws into the company for a long while now. Danny is too busy grieving to care what he wants.

And like most Galas, once Vlad is done showing him off to the other socialites and the like, he disappears. Off to a dark corner, or to one of the many balconies; doesn't matter. There he runs into said star of the show, Bruce who is still young, has been Batman for at least a year at this point, but still getting used to all these damn people and socializing. He's stepped off to hide for a few minutes before stepping back into the shark tank.

And he runs into a kid with circles under his eyes and a dull gleam in them. Familiar, like looking into a mirror.

Danny tries to excuse himself, he hasn't stopped crying since his parents died and it's been months. He rubs his eyes and stands up, and stumbles over a half-hearted apology to Mister Wayne. Some of Vlad's etiquette lessons kicking in.

Bruce is awkward, but he softens. "That's alright, lad," he says, pulling up some of that Brucie Wayne confidence, "I was just coming out here to get some fresh air."

There's a little pressing; Bruce asks who he's here with, Danny says, voice quiet and grief-stricken, that he's with his godfather Vlad Masters. Bruce asks him if he knows where he is, and Danny tells him he does. Bruce offers to leave, Danny tells him to do whatever he wants.

It ends with Bruce staying, standing off to the side with Danny in silence. Neither of them say a word, and Danny eventually leaves first in that same silence.

Bruce looks into Vlad Masters after everything is over, his interest piqued. He finds news about him taking in Danny Fenton: he looks into Danny Fenton. He finds news articles about his parents' deaths, their occupations, everything he can get his hands on.

At the next gala, he sees Danny again. And he looks the same as ever: quiet like a ghost, just as pale, and full of grief. Bruce sits in silence with him again for nearly ten minutes before he strikes a conversation.

"Do you like to do anything?"

Nothing. Just silence.

Bruce isn't quite sure what to do: comfort is not his forte, and Danny doesn't know him. He's smart enough to know that. So he starts talking about other things; anything he can think of that Brucie Wayne might say, that also wasn't inappropriate for a kid to hear.

Danny says nothing the entire time, and is again the first to leave.

Bruce watches from a distance as he intercts with Vlad Masters; how Vlad Masters interacts with him. He doesn't like what he sees: Vlad Masters keeps a hand on Danny's shoulder like one would hold onto the collar of a dog. He parades him around like a trophy he won.

And there are moments, when someone gets too close or when someone tries to shake Danny's hand, of deep possessiveness that flints over Vlad Masters' eyes. Like a dragon guarding a horde.

He plays the act of doting godfather well: but Bruce knows a liar when he sees one. Like recognizes like.

Danny is dull-eyed and blank faced the entire time; he looks miserable.

So Bruce tries to host more parties; if only so that he can talk to Danny alone. Vlad seems all too happy to attend, toting Danny along like a ribbon, and on the dot every hour, Danny slips away to somewhere to hide. Bruce appears twenty minutes later.

"I was looking into your godfather's company," he says one night, trying to think of more things to say. Some nights all they do is sit in silence. "Some of my shareholders were thinking of partnering up--"

"Don't."

He stops. Danny hardly says a word to him, he doesn't even look at him -- he's sitting on the ground, his head in his knees. Like he's trying to hide from the world. But he's looking, blue eyes piercing up at Bruce.

Bruce tilts his head, practiced puppy-like. "Pardon?"

"Don't." Danny says, strongly. "Don't make any deals with Vlad."

It's the most words Danny's spoken to him, and there's a look in his eyes like a candle finding its spark. Something hard. Bruce presses further, "And why is that?"

The spark flutters, and flushes out. Danny blinks like he's coming out of a trance, and slumps back into himself. "Just don't."

Bruce stares at him, thoughtful, before looking away. "Alright. I won't."

And they fall back into silence.

Danny, when he leaves, turns to look at Bruce, "I mean it." He says; soft like he's telling a secret, "Don't make any deals with him. Don't be alone with him. Don't work with him."

He's scampered away before Bruce can question him further.

(He never planned on working with Vlad Masters and his company; he's done his research. He's seen the misfortune. But nothing ever leads back to him. There's no evidence of anything. But Danny knows something.)

At their next meeting, Danny starts the conversation. It's new, and it's welcomed. He says, cutting through their five minute quiet, that he likes stars. And he doesn't like that he can't see them in Gotham.

Bruce hums in interest, and Danny continues talking. It's as if floodgates had been opened, and as Bruce takes a sip of his wine, it tastes like victory.

("Tucker told me once--") ("Tucker?") ("Oh-- uh, one of my best friends. He's a tech geek. We haven't talked in a while.")

(Danny shut down in his grief -- his friends are worried, but can't reach him. When he goes back to the manor with Vlad, he fishes out his phone and sends them a message.)

(They are ecstatic to hear from him.)

It all culminates until one day, when Danny is leaving to go back inside, that Bruce speaks up. "You know," He says, leaning against the railing. "The manor has many rooms; plenty of space for a guest."

The implication there, hidden between the lines. And Danny is smart, he looks at Bruce with a sharp glean in his eyes, and he nods. "Good to know."

The next time they see each other, Danny has something in his hands. "Can you hold onto something for me?" He asks.

When Bruce agrees, Danny places a pearl into his palm. or, at least, it's something that looks like a pearl. Because it's cold to the touch; sinking into Bruce's white silk gloves with ease and shimmering like an opal. It moves a little as it settles into his hand, and the moves like its full of liquid.

Bruce has never seen anything like it before, but he does know this; it's not human. "What is it?" He asks, and Danny looks uncomfortable.

"I can't tell you that." He says, shifting on his foot like he's scared of someone seeing it. "But please be careful with it. Treat it like it's extremely fragile."

When Bruce gets home, he puts it in an empty ring box and hides the box in the cave. He tries researching into what it is. he can't find anything concrete.

Everything comes to a head one day when Danny appears at the manor's doorstep one evening, soaking wet in the rain, and bleeding from the side.

[bilolli]

Hi @spadillelicious , yesterday I read your fic and I'm normal about it. Take a messy fanart.

[letsmcfreackingloseit]

So yes I have OF COURSE read @naffeclipse new fic Apex Polarity and yes, I AM OBSESSED!

So I decided to make a little comic of how I think their "first encounter" might have looked like from Eclipse's perspective.

I can't help but think about how alien and scary we most look to him (especially if there is a history of fasco hunting polar sirens in the past). With all that gear we look like emotionless beings, just observing and uncaring of this ice world. But then when y/n shows up and probably exudes this joy and wonder for his world + shows respect for the creatures and the environment??? Mmh yeah, I can see Eclipse falling for y/n, especially considering how alone he might be...

So yes, that's what I have for today! If you want to read the fic I'll link it right here. I can't recommend it enough, but as always, read the tags so you know what you're getting into! And lastly I also want to @themeeplord beacuse Eclipse's design is basically their design in my style (god I love their design so much, their character/creature designs are the BEST) so all the credit goes to them! Polar!Y/N is my design thou! ;P

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go read the two latest chapters-

YIPPEE!!!

[dootznbootz]

The Telegony goes against what the Odyssey tells us not only because of Tiresias' Prophecy but also because Odysseus' family line only has one son each.

Zeus made our line a line of only sons. Arcesius had only one son, Laertes, and Laertes had only one son, Odysseus, and I am Odysseus’ only son. He fathered me, he left me behind at home, and from me he got no joy.

(Book 16, Fagles)

Telegonus can't even realistically BE Odysseus' son as he already has Telemachus. The Only son

[w1ld-wr1t3r]

Ok ok so I'm watching the video again (and again and again), and I am only going more nuts over it.

Because Lando is absolutely beaming the entire time he's talking to Martin, like he knew exactly who he was gonna call from the start, and even if he hates making calls, it's clear that he is overjoyed at getting to speak to Martin, even just for a few minutes in the middle of their crazy schedules.

And in the middle of the conversation, Martin just drops "I love you," and I know some people are comfortable using that phrase in a platonic way, but even then, you don't say it to just anyone. You say it to the people who light up your life, who make you feel whole. Who you want to cherish every moment with, because life is fleeting and you don't want to leave this life knowing that you wasted any time you could've spent with them.

And Lando wastes no time in saying it back, too. And even though he added "bro" at the end, that smile said a lot. He is talking to someone he cares about with his whole heart. I've said it before, whether their bond is platonic or romantic, it's clear that they really mean a lot to each other. But honestly, every time something new happens with them, I can't help but wonder if, at the very least, the lines between platonic and romantic are getting more and more blurred. Or if they haven't been crossed already.

On top of that, something that stood out to me was that everyone else's first thought was to call a family member or significant other. If that was their first impulse, then wouldn't it kind of make sense that whoever Lando chose to call would have the same level of importance to him? And note that he didn't call his parents, or Max F. or any of his other friends or family members. He chose to call Martin.

I'm practically writing a whole entire essay on this, but basically, my point is that out of everyone Lando could've called, he chose to call Martijn. And there is absolutely no doubt that those "I love yous" were completely heartfelt and sincere.

[mirroredmasquerader]

This is one of the first few things I drew in color for this nonsense I think

[krenenbaker]

Trick or Treat~!

Pairing: Che'nya x Floyd (could be read platonically or romantically)

Summary: It's finally Halloween night, but Floyd is in a bit of a slump. However, the arrival of a curious companion may just make the Halloween party a bit more interesting for him.

Notes: This is my first attempt at something following a prompt - specifically, "Trick or Treat" for the 2023 TWST Rarepair Halloween event. I'm trying to get more comfortable/practiced with writing prose (which is why this wasn't posted on the 30th... oops), and only vaguely ended up following the prompt. I'm fairly happy with how this little piece turned out, though!

Tags: @dove-da-birb, @azulashengrottospiano, @inkybloom-luv, @eynnwwyjth, @officialdaydreamer00 (please let me know if you'd like to be included or excluded from future writing of mine, or only want to be included in specific types of creations)

Floyd wanted to take a break. 

It was Halloween, and all he had done the entire week was work, work, work. Getting costumes ready, decorating, helping with their dorm's presentation, plus cooking and serving at the Lounge, all on top of normal classes? 

Sure, it was fun, especially getting to show off Octavinelle's cool setup, and 'taking care of' those misbehaving visitors. But now? Everything felt draining and boring, and Floyd simply wanted to leave, which sucked because the actual Halloween party had just started!  

Maybe he should just ditch and go back to his dorm; being in a funk when everyone else is having fun around you is not enjoyable.  He slumped down on a bench and unwrapped a sweet he had picked up earlier, before wrapping it up again. Ugh, not even in the mood for that candy he wanted only a few minutes ago. 

As he shoved the sweet back into his pocket and was about to get up from the bench to leave, Floyd heard a rustle behind him. Someone was quietly humming, and… laughing? The sound gradually moved to his side, towards the empty side of the bench.  

“Trick or treat~”

Floyd turned to face the voice. "Listen, man, I'm not in the mood to—” he froze, staring at the figure beside him. “Hang on a second, where's your body!?"

A toothy smile came to the face of the head that currently floated beside Floyd. "Oh, it's here.... or maybe it's there." A pair of hands materialized on either side of this boy's head, followed by the rest of his body. 

“I'm just kidding. Mind if I take a seat? I’d like to rest up before I keep purrowling around and startling people.”

Floyd blinked, then raised an eyebrow. “Uh, go for it.” 

This guy was... weird, and it was hard to tell if he'd be annoying, or interesting. "You don't go here, do ya? At least, I’ve never seen you before. And you’re no ghost, either.”

The cat-like boy shook his head, his jewellery jingling softly. "I'm just passing through for the festivities and collecting treats. Scaring some people, too. That’s loads of fun. And it's always nice to see my friends let loose." 

Floyd had a vague memory surface. "Ohh... you must be that RSA boy who's friends with Sea Turtle and Goldfishie." 

"'Sea Turtle' and 'Goldfishie', hey? Those are good names for my green and red friends. Cats are known for liking fish." He leaned forward, his grin growing. “Artemiy Artemiyevich Pinker. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Floyd nodded, “Floyd Leech. It's nice to meet you, too.” He looked curiously at the boy beside him, taking in his shaggy hair, piercings, and impish smile.

"You're not what I expected.” Floyd smiled, "But you seem fun, Catfish. I didn't think Goldfishie would get along with someone so... interesting."

Che'nya's eyes lit up slightly. "Catfish? Heh heh heh, most people call me Che'nya, but I guess that works. And I’ve heard some… interesting stories about you, too."

He stretched his legs out in front of him, leaning back with his arms behind his head as he sighed. "But yeah, I don't think Riddle could shake me if he tried." 

"I'm almost jealous." Floyd tipped his head slightly. "Most of the time, Goldfishie likes to swim away before I can play with him."

Che'nya laughed, "Well, if you're wondering, he 'swam off' that way." He pointed off to the side. “Just don’t be rough with him. I don’t like people mistreating my friends.”

Floyd looked off into the crowd where he had pointed, and let out a small laugh. “Alright, good to know. Maybe I’ll find him later, if I feel like it”, he smiled and sat back. “And Goldfishie’s stronger than he looks, but I guess you’d know that.”

Che’nya nodded, then leaned closer with a mischievous glint in his eye. "You know, I bet we could do something that would really surprise him.” 

Floyd turned slightly towards Che’nya, and flashed a smile. “Yeah, we probably could. I think we should talk more in the future, Catfish. You seem pretty fun.” 

Che’nya grinned, “You seem pretty fun, too.”

"Well,” he stretched his arms above his head. “I think I’m going to go and find some more treats… and play some more tricks tonight. I'll catch you around, Floyd." 

With a haunting giggle echoing in his ears, Floyd watched as the boy beside him faded into nothingness, just the same way he had arrived. 

What a weird guy.

Floyd unwrapped the candy he had pocketed earlier, then popped it into his mouth. Maybe this party was worth staying at after all.

[simpingforcys]

Oh how I love this man. I adore every part of this man.

I won't lie, my 5-year ago self would be screaming if she saw me now on her knees crying 'why' and all I could be saying is "he silly"

[masonjarcollector]

Not to be melodramatic but "you've got to get better, you're all that I've got"/"I've got to get better, I'm all that I've got" might be one of the most beautifully raw and heartwrenching lyrics I've ever heard sung before. Like. Shoot, man. I really am all that I've got.

[biblically-accurate-dca]

super disorganized sketch page because i do what i want

[venture4treasure]

A relationship with Venture

Words: 784

Premise: Fluff headcanons about a relationship with Venture

Warnings: None

Venture is very confident in their relationship. Nobody is going to be able to sway them, any kind of excessive flirting instantly gets shut down. If you’re around, they like to kiss or hug you to prove a point – and because they’ll run with any excuse to be affectionate.

When Venture returns to you from an expedition, they are super clingy for the first couple days. They miss you so much. 

Archaeology isn’t a field known for making money, but it’s Venture. Sloan Cameron. They’re insanely gifted and talented at their craft, a one of a kind person. They get to be an exception to the rule. 

They also don’t pay rent or bills because their job covers them when they’re away on expeditions. So, they like to spend their money on you. It’s nearly impossible to pay for something if Venture is out with you. 

They definitely don’t grasp the concept of money like most people do, having been with the Wayfinder Society since sixteen, they never really experienced necessary expenses or a shortage of money. 

They’re not financially illiterate – they save and go through the motions of being responsible with money, but sometimes you might have to step in and call them out if they’re being a little too much.

No idea where Venture picked up sleight of hand tricks, but it proves to be incredibly useful for them when you’re out shopping or on a date. They can swipe your phone or card without you noticing until it’s time to pay. And when you can’t find it, they’ll offer to pay with the smuggest grin. 

Despite how active Venture’s job is, they actually prefer to laze about all day with you when they’re home. They want to cuddle, drape themselves over you whenever you’re doing chores, or lay on your lap when you’re watching a movie, scrolling on your phone, reading, etc. 

Please mess with their hair. They love having their hair brushed by you. If you comb your hand through their hair and scratch their head, they will melt. Also, please help them get out any knots or mats from expeditions. 

When you’re working, Venture will be by with gifts. Your favourite drink, takeout, or flowers. They leave it at your workplace with a sweet note. Your coworkers are definitely envious. 

And after you clock out, Venture is there to pick you up. Offering to take you out for dinner if you don’t have anything else in mind. 

Venture is pretty emotionally intelligent. They can tell when you’re not feeling well and they can read a room well. If you’re upset, you cannot hide it from them. They will be onto you instantly and do anything and everything to make you feel better. 

However, Venture struggles with expressing their own emotional conflicts to you. They don’t want to give you the idea that they’re incapable or overreacting. Thankfully, they’re super bad at hiding when they’re upset and you easily catch on. 

They really want to involve you in their passion for their work, but it’s too dangerous to take you with them. You’d be a liability as much as they don’t want to admit it. 

They do like taking you to national parks and tour caves. At first, they take you on guided tours because they don’t want to stress you out with the prospect of getting lost in a cave – even if they’re confident that’d never happen. Later, they take you on self guided tours because they want to ramble about certain structures and formations without a crowd of strangers and the urgency to move to the next area. 

When they have to leave for a project, they will always make sure to let you know if they’ll have cell service or not. 

They’re very focused and diligent when they’re working, so they don’t check their phone until they’re done with the day. But when they’re done, their time is yours. They’ll respond to any text or call instantly. 

They insist you update them everyday, they want to make sure you’re around and doing well. If you don’t send any update after they worriedly spam you, they are not sleeping well that night. 

Sometimes their coworkers catch them smiling at their phone. And when asked, they’ll gush about you and how you’re just the best. They talk about you like you hung up the stars in the sky for them. 

Their coworkers are mostly older than them, and they’re all very glad Venture has you to return home to – they’re exceedingly fearless and brave to the point of stupid. With their line of work getting more and more dangerous, your presence gives them something to value returning home to. 

Author’s Note: There was no setting or scene provided in the ask so I went with what we know as canon in the Overwatch universe and subtracted the whole Null Sector ravaging cities thing. But Talon does exist, that’s why Venture’s work is getting more and more dangerous. Pure fluff is not my thing, but I do try!

Link to request by @f3r4lfr0gg3r.

Because of the order of these posts, these headcanons kind of foreshadow other works I’ve drafted :9

[humanitys-strongest-bamf]

so to spite this loser of an anon sending me bs and saying that I have no bf as a result (what a tragedy), I’ve decided to do a face reveal of our wedding day 🥰